NMSU Extension Program Focuses on Feral Hogs, Cattle Health, Drought

By: Darrell J. Pehr, NMSU Extension

Cattle producers face many challenges, from perennial concerns like the health of the cattle and the chances of drought to new worries about the spread of wild hogs. New Mexico State University’s Cattleman’s Current Issues Program will give producers an opportunity to get the latest updates on these topics and more March 28.

"Timely information is vital to good decision-making when it comes to raising cattle," said Tom Dominguez, program director and agricultural agent at NMSU’s Otero County Cooperative Extension Service. "This program is a chance to get the best experts together to give cattle producers the most up-to-date information possible so they can take steps to protect and improve their herds."

The Cattleman’s Current Issues Program is set for 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, March 28, at the Otero County Fairgrounds in Alamogordo. There will be a small fee for lunch and materials at the door.

The program will start with a presentation at 9:30 a.m. by Ron Jones, U.S. Department of Agriculture wildlife damage specialist, who will outline a feral hogs outlook and talk about diseases associated with the animals. Feral hogs have spread rapidly in many parts of New Mexico, and can cause significant economic losses to farmers and ranchers.

At 10:30 a.m., NMSU Extension Veterinarian John Wenzel will discuss trichomoniasis and other cattle health issues. Lunch will follow at noon.

Tom Bird, of the National Weather Service, will give a weather outlook and drought prediction at 1 p.m.

Participants will hear agency reports from the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management at 2 p.m.

To register, contact the Otero County Extension Office at 575-437-0231 or at tdomingu@nmsu.edu.